Commuting

D.C. Metro Bus

Opinion: How to Save D.C. Transit

Ridership data shows that many D.C. transit users depend on the service, despite a drop in ridership. The system needs changes—and funding—to have a future.

September 26, 2023 - Greater Greater Washington

Empty underground Muni train platform in San Francisco with escalator, stairs in center of image.

Post-Pandemic Travel Patterns Call for Different Transit Schedules

As remote work and changed commuting patterns endure, transit agencies are shifting their focus to serve a wider variety of riders.

September 21, 2023 - Governing

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

How to Reduce Excess Vehicle Travel

Some experts claim that remote work is the most effective way to reduce vehicle travel, but my research indicates that improving and encouraging walking, bicycling, and public transit can provide larger impacts and benefits.

September 8, 2023 - Todd Litman

Busy traffic on a road

Leveraging the Choice Not to Travel

The pandemic accelerated the growth of remote services and telecommuting. Now is the time for urban planners to leverage these new opportunities to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

August 28, 2023 - Steven Polzin

Close-up of two passengers in business clothes sitting face to face on speeding train

Forget the Bean Bag Chair: Workers Just Want Short Commutes

The office amenities of yore are out. Quick, painless commutes are in.

June 15, 2023 - Curbed

Close-up of two passengers in business clothes sitting face to face on speeding train

‘Super Commuting’ Hits Ten-Year Low

The number of Americans whose commutes take over three hours per day peaked in 2019, but dropped dramatically as remote work became more widespread.

May 11, 2023 - Apartment List

Bike Commuter

How Commute Times Impact Office Vacancy

Workplaces that employees can reach more quickly are less likely to have high office vacancy rates, a new analysis finds.

April 11, 2023 - Globe St.

Blurred night view of gridlocked traffic on freeway

Congestion Growing in Sunbelt Cities

Cities with rapidly growing populations and inadequate public transit systems are seeing more gridlock despite changes in commuting patterns and the rise of remote work.

March 15, 2023 - The Wall Street Journal

An image of Washington D.C. with highways and the streaks from car head and tail lights in the foreground, and the Washington Monument in the background.

Federal Union: Remote Work Is Climate-Friendly

Federal workers are pushing back on a return to the office, citing the environmental benefits of eliminating daily commuting.

February 24, 2023 - The Washington Post

University Ave and Dundas Street in downtown Toronto

Canada's Car Commuting Roars Back as Transit’s Rebound Remains Slow

Car commuting rates are returning to pre-pandemic levels, while public transit and active transportation rates are slower to recover.

December 1, 2022 - The Globe and Mail

Commute

How Americans Spend Former Commute Time

Unsurprisingly, American workers whose commutes have been reduced or eliminated by new remote work arrangements are spending more time on rest, leisure, and childcare activities.

October 19, 2022 - Liberty Street Economics

Bike on bridge in Minneapolis with skyline in background

Study: Biking Brings Happiness

A Minneapolis study showed cyclists experienced the highest rates of satisfaction during their commute.

October 5, 2022 - Forbes

Three commuters on train platform sillhouetted against moving train

Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Proposal Moves Forward

The state assembly has asked the department of transportation to begin research and planning for a rapid transit line that would connect residents with jobs in Washington, D.C. and reduce traffic congestion in the region.

September 22, 2022 - Maryland Matters

Commute

Some Commute Times Worsening Despite Remote Work Trends

The unpredictability of constantly changing commuting trends has some workers seeing much longer commute times as transportation agencies work to adjust to new travel patterns.

September 19, 2022 - The Washington Post

Woman sitting at countertop with laptop facing window

Census Bureau: Remote Work Tripled Between 2019 and 2021

The percentage of Americans working primarily from home tripled to over 27 million people during the pandemic. Will the popularity of remote work last?

September 16, 2022 - U.S. Census Bureau

Woman in yellow top sitting at wood kitchen island looking at laptop

Remote Work Is Here To Stay

Based on available data, working from home is likely to remain a popular option with a high percentage of workers, changing the ways and places Americans live, work, and travel.

August 22, 2022 - The Washington Post

Commuter Traffic

The American Commute Is Getting More Expensive

The average cost of commuting in the United States rose by 35 percent since last year, according to a new report.

July 18, 2022 - Axios

Nighttime bus interior with one rider standing by door

Transit Ridership Continues Slow Recovery

Even as gas prices rise, ridership on many public transit systems continues to remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

July 17, 2022 - Marketplace

Seattle Bus

Transit Use Down, Remote Work Up in Seattle

Fewer workers in downtown Seattle are taking public transit to work thanks in large part to an ongoing move to remote work.

March 24, 2022 - Seattle Times

Alstom Train

New York's Commuter Rail Ridership May Never Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels

Shifting commute patterns and the popularity of remote work could pose an existential threat to the New York City region's commuter rail services.

February 2, 2022 - The New York Times

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.